Project description
At the heart of Québec’s newly established Energy Transition Valley (Bécancour–Trois-Rivières–Shawinigan), the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) and the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) have created a joint research unit (UMR) dedicated to decarbonization, circular economy strategies, and advanced battery technologies. The transition to a climate-neutral economy requires sustainable, circular, and highly efficient battery technologies. In North America, the transportation sector contributes over a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs), central to vehicle electrification, must therefore be designed and processed along a responsible value chain that integrates recycling, safe reuse, and recovery of critical raw materials.
Within a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment, INRS invites applications for a PhD position in Sustainable Battery Materials Recycling Processes. This project offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of clean energy innovation, tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to make battery technologies truly sustainable.
As demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage rapidly grows, so does the need for smarter, more efficient recycling solutions. The successful candidate will develop and explore innovative recycling strategies that recover valuable materials while reducing environmental impact. You will join a collaborative research team, gain hands-on experience with advanced characterization and processing techniques, and contribute directly to accelerating the energy transition and combating climate change.
This PhD project focuses on optimizing synthesis and recycling processes for Li-ion battery materials using in-line characterization and sustainable methodologies. By combining real-time monitoring, advanced spectroscopy, and electrochemical sensors directly in the process, the candidate will develop more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly protocols for both battery manufacturing and end-of-life recycling.
- In-Line Characterization of Materials and process parameters
- Process optimization towards a sustainable recycling of battery materials
- Implementation of the developed processes into circular Recycling Processes
The PhD candidate will benefit from:
- Access to state-of-the-art synthesis, recycling, and characterization facilities.
- Collaborations with partners from academia and industry in Horizon Europe consortia
- Training in sustainable process development, circular economy, and advanced characterization techniques.
- Contribution to Québec’s leadership in clean energy, battery circularity, and material sovereignty.
Start date
2026
Research supervision
- Karin Kleiner (principal supervisor, Prof. INRS-EMT, Trois-Rivières)
- Francois Allard (co-supervisor, Prof. INRS-EMT, Trois-Rivières)
Study program
This study project will be carried out under the following program: Ph.D. in sciences de l’énergie et des matériaux (French description) of the Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre.
Required qualifications
Graduate students will be recruited based on their motivation for the project, regardless of their origins, gender, or beliefs. We are committed to an inclusive and equitable organizational culture, protecting and supporting staff and clients, and ensuring EDI. An effort will be made to recruit students with diversified backgrounds.
Candidate Profile
- For PhDs only – Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, if applying for a PhD position.
- Interest and/or experience in battery materials, electrochemistry, process engineering, or spectroscopy.
- Strong analytical skills and motivation to work in an interdisciplinary, industrially relevant research environment.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating in a dynamic team.
Scholarship
INRS offers financial support to its student community. However, candidates are also invited to apply for scholarships from FRQNT, NSERC, etc.
Location
UMR INRS-UQTR sur les matériaux et les technologies pour la transition énergétique
Pavillon Tapan-K.-Bose
3351, Boul. des Forges C.P.500
Trois-Rivières (Québec) G9A 5H7
Canada
Questions
Karin Kleiner
karin.kleiner@inrs.ca
How to apply
Please use the form below to submit your application, including the following documents: (1) curriculum vitae; (2) letter of motivation; (3) university transcripts;